Laika has released two acclaimed films to date: CORALINE and PARANORMAN, both of which have become staples in the movie rotation for my kids. They are darker than what Pixar and Dreamworks have to offer but no less full of heart. I especially think PARANORMAN was one of the best animated films of the last several years. Laika is trying to complete their hat trick with the similarly dark THE BOXTROLLS which just revealed a teaser and poster.
THE BOXTROLLS comes from directors Anthony Stacchi and Graham Annable and keeps the same trademark character design as PARANORMAN as well as the supernatural plot elements that set the films apart. Plus you have a phenomenal cast featuring Ben Kingsley, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, Elle Fanning, Jared Harris, Toni Collette, Nick Frost, Richard Ayoade, Tracy Morgan and Simon Pegg. You had me at Nick Frost and Simon Pegg.
Here’s the teaser:
The new 3D animated feature from Laika Studios tells the tale of the Boxtrolls, monsters who live underneath the charming streets of Cheesebridge, who crawl out of the sewers at night to steal what the townspeople hold most dear: their children and their cheeses. At least, that’s the legend the townspeople have always believed. In truth, the Boxtrolls are a community of lovable oddballs who are raising as one of their own an abandoned and orphaned human boy named Eggs. When the Boxtrolls are targeted by a villainous exterminator who is bent on eradicating them, Eggs must venture aboveground to save them, where he teams with an adventurous young girl to save not only the Boxtrolls but the soul of Cheesebridge.
THE BOXTROLLS is a high concept story, but so was PARANORMAN. I can sense the British-ness in this project and that is fine by me. Hopefully everyone jumps on board and Laika continues to produces great family films for years to come. Watch out, Pixar! Another studio is going for a perfect record!
THE BOXTROLLS opens everywhere on September 26, 2014.